A traumatizing event is any threatening situation that a person experiences, which exceeds their tolerance and current means of coping.

A traumatic event can impact an individual, a family, a group, or an entire community.

Examples of a single traumatizing event include the sudden death of a relative or becoming a victim of violence.

A wider community can be affected by events such as a fire, the suicide of a loved one, a terrorist attack, a major accident, or a natural disaster.

Traumatizing events can also be recurring, such as bullying at school, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, or living under martial law.

Experiencing a life-threatening near-miss, witnessing a difficult event, or hearing about a traumatic event or death experienced by a loved one can also expose a person to traumatic stress.

Everyone’s experience and life story are unique, and people react to similar experiences in different ways—an event that is traumatic for one person may not be for another.

A traumatic experience can influence how a person thinks about their abilities and the continuity of life.

A traumatic event may also involve physical injury or disability.

Trauma symptoms are often accompanied by bodily reactions that cause physical symptoms and challenge a person’s ability to function.

Being traumatized is frequently associated with difficult emotions such as fear, anger, guilt, and shame. The range of emotions can become narrower, with feelings either becoming flat or varying intensely.

A powerful sense of helplessness may arise, along with the belief that one has no control over their circumstances.

The feeling of being an outsider or a foreigner can be heightened, especially if one has had to move to a very different culture or has been left alone.

Negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself, others, and the world may increase, such as "I'm contaminated," "No one understands," "You can't trust people," or "There's something wrong with me." The world may no longer seem as good and predictable as it once did. The perception of oneself may change, and a person can lose their sense of control, which can impact their ability to cope with everyday life. 

Trauma-related symptoms may include recurring memories of the event, reliving the experience, and trauma-induced nightmares.

A traumatized person often tries to avoid situations that remind them of the event and may be unable to recall certain key details.

These symptoms are often accompanied by psychological sensitization and hypervigilance, where attention is focused on detecting potential threats.

Changes in thinking, information processing, mood, and social interaction can also occur, and various physical symptoms are common as well. 

In a threatening situation, automatic defense reactions are activated, shifting us from our normal mode of information processing to a reactive mode focused on survival (fight, flight, freeze, collapse). In this state, all our resources are directed toward ensuring our survival.

Later, factors that remind us of the traumatic situation—such as various internal and external threat cues—can trigger these defense mechanisms even when there is no real threat. These reactions may be accompanied by a range of cognitive, psychological, and physical symptoms, which can be very frightening and confusing. 

In trauma flashbacks, memories related to the trauma resurface vividly and realistically. During these flashbacks, emotions associated with the event, such as fear and horror, are often activated.

Defensive reactions and related physical symptoms may also occur, which can be very unpleasant and frightening.

Frequent and uncontrollable flashbacks can lead to persistent fear, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. 

A central aspect of these experiences is the sensation of losing control over one’s mind and body, as powerful and distressing memories, images, feelings, and sensations are triggered unpredictably. 

A triggering factor, or "trigger," is anything that reminds a person of the traumatic event. This can include a place or situation similar to the event, or specific sounds and smells. Different body sensations, such as an accelerated heartbeat or shortness of breath, can activate the body's defense reactions even in seemingly neutral or safe situations. Often, individuals may not be aware of how to identify these triggers themselves.

A traumatized person may also avoid various emotional states for fear that they will trigger trauma memories and related reactions. Everyday activities, such as watching movies, playing games, or taking exams, can feel threatening and provoke strong defensive reactions. Even personal thoughts or falling asleep can feel dangerous, as anything may surface in mental images and dreams.

In some severely traumatized children and young people, trauma triggers can even be associated with positive experiences. Based on their previous experiences, they may have internalized the belief that positive experiences are not allowed or that something bad will follow. In these cases, it is crucial to pay individual attention to the child, gradually helping them recognize and become aware of their triggers and providing appropriate support measures.

When it is not possible to fight or flee from a dangerous situation, a person may become paralyzed as a survival mechanism. This is a way to cope when physical escape is not an option. In this state, the body goes into a protective mode:

• The body may become numb.

• Mental and physical actions may slow down.

• In extreme cases, a person may lose consciousness.

This response is intended to protect the body and mind from overwhelming pain and suffering.

Under intense threat, it is also possible to surrender to the situation, where a person gives up their agency and adapts in ways that may go against their will but are necessary for survival. In these cases, the body and mind adjust their actions to meet the demands of the situation, often by suppressing their own needs and values. This adaptation may conflict significantly with their personal values and beliefs.